About YPO

YPO are a public procurement organisation with customers including schools, local authorities, charities, emergency services, public sector and other businesses such as nurseries and care homes.

They supply products and services with an existing range of approximately 30,000 products and 80 service contracts. 100% publicly owned, by 13 local authorities, their profits are returned to their public sector customers.

Their strategy for personal growth focuses on developing 'hard skills' and 'soft skills' of staff. They’ve provided training for interview skills, getting the most from appraisals, and offering and supporting job-relevant NVQs to all staff. They have also provided qualifications such as Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development qualifications and Chartered Institute of Procurement Services qualifications.

The 'soft skills' element of YPO’s plan includes exploring people's personality types in order to discover how to motivate employees, build high performing teams and deliver feedback to people in the most effective way.

What is it like to work for YPO

Leadership

78% of staff agreed:

This organisation is run on strong values / principles

The employee-engagement strategy is fully supported. The board has an open-door policy and two members of the management team do a ‘walkabout’ where staff can ask questions. There’s an anonymous Ask a Director programme and MD Simon Hill keeps everyone updated with a blog.

78% of staff agreed:

This organisation is run on strong values / principles

Wellbeing

75% of staff agreed:

I am happy with the balance between my work and home life

The occupational-health service offers an on-site nurse every week and a GP when needed. This helps significantly cut sickness. An employee assistance scheme gives staff 24-hour access to a support service advising on stressful issues, and there’s a Health and Wellbeing Day.

75% of staff agreed:

I am happy with the balance between my work and home life

Fair Deal

63% of staff agreed:

I am happy with the pay and benefits I receive in this job

A Family Fun Day involves children’s games, raffles, a local DJ, tombola stall, arts-and-crafts table and a Santa’s grotto for chosen charities. Last year’s event raised £896. The annual Big Day allows staff to network and includes an awards ceremony.

63% of staff agreed:

I am happy with the pay and benefits I receive in this job

Learn more about the 8 factors of workplace engagement here

Benefits:

Women

At least 40% of senior managers are women
Gym

Companies offering either free gym/ sports facilities or offering subsidised gym membership for all employees
Pensions

Companies offering a final salary, non-contributory pension scheme to all staff or one in which the employer puts in at least three times
Long Service

50% of employees with more than 5 years' service
Maternity

At least 10 weeks’ full pay or generous alternative
Family Friendly

School hours contracts offered to all staff